Knee Information

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Total Knee Replacement surgery is performed to remove a diseased knee joint and replace it with an artificial prosthesis. The most common reason for Total Knee Replacement surgery is severe osteoarthritis, which causes relentless pain, joint deformity and mobility problems. Total Knee Replacement Surgery can be used to replace a knee joint affected by various conditions including but not limited to, severe osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis and bone dysplasia.

PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

Generally, most Knee Replacement candidates need a Total Knee Replacement. There are however a relatively small proportion of patients who are suitable for a Uni or Partial Knee Replacement. For Uni Knee Replacement Surgery to be considered, your condition must usually be limited to one (medial or lateral) compartment of your knee. The portion of damaged bone and cartilage is then resurfaced with metal and plastic components.

HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY

Knee Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that may be a treatment option for you if you have arthritis damage in just one area of your knee. It is commonly performed on younger patients who at the time may be too young for a Total or Uni Knee Replacement as the replacements wear out quicker in people under the age of 55 than in people over the age of 70 mainly due to the higher activity levels of younger people.

Knee osteotomy is used when you have early-stage osteoarthritis that has damaged just one side of the knee joint. By shifting your weight off of the damaged side of the joint, an osteotomy can relieve pain and significantly improve function in your arthritic knee. A wedge of bone is either removed or added to your upper shinbone (Tibia) or lower thighbone (Femur). The placement of the bone wedge helps shift your body weight off the damaged portion of your knee joint therefore relieving pain and allowing better functional movement.

ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Knee ACL reconstruction surgery involves the reconstruction of the ligament usually damaged in a sporting accident. The ligaments in and around your knee joint provide support and stability to your knee. When affected, damaged ligaments and tendons limit knee function, stability and movement and may inhibit you from performing routine day to day activities, as well as participating in sports. Dr Gallie will replace your torn ligament with a tissue graft (grafts can be obtained from several sources, often they are taken from the hamstring tendons at the back of the thigh) via an arthroscope using small incisions. Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive, therefore there is less pain from surgery, less time spent in the hospital, and a quicker recovery time.

To learn more about knee surgery we welcome you to call us on 07 5591 3454 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.